Were you at the grand opening of AutoWorld 30 years ago? We want your pics and stories

FLINT, MI -- Six Flags AutoWorld opened its doors with marching bands, 12,000 balloons and a massive fireworks display in downtown Flint on Independence Day 1984.

Thirty years later and all that remains of the doomed theme park are the memories of those who were there.

Located just north of downtown, the AutoWorld complex was demolished and the land swallowed up by the University of Michigan-Flint.

MLive-The Flint Journal is looking for your photos, home movies, souvenirs and memories from that grand opening on July 4, 1984, a celebration that inspired former Gov. James Blanchard to say AutoWorld would trigger "the rebirth of the great city of Flint."

Instead, six months later, the park was shuttered because of poor attendance and an investment firm that had backed the project cut its losses and bailed out of the park.

You can join in helping to tell the story of AutoWorld with your mementos, your memories, or both, by contacting reporter Ron Fonger at 810-347-9963 or by email at rfonger1@mlive.com.